{"id":4147,"date":"2026-03-11T14:39:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T06:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orinoxsteel.com\/?p=4147"},"modified":"2026-03-11T14:49:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T06:49:02","slug":"what-is-420-stainless-steel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orinoxsteel.com\/ru\/what-is-420-stainless-steel\/","title":{"rendered":"420 Stainless Steel: Properties, Composition, Heat Treatment & Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"
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420 Stainless Steel: Uses, Composition, Properties<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Among the many stainless steel grades available, 420 stainless steel<\/strong> stands out as a versatile martensitic alloy known for its high hardness, wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance.<\/p>\n

Thanks to its ability to be heat-treated for enhanced strength, AISI 420 stainless steel<\/strong> is widely used in industries that require durable components such as cutlery, surgical tools, industrial parts, and mechanical equipment.<\/p>\n

This guide explains the properties, chemical composition, heat treatment process, and common applications of 420 stainless steel<\/strong>, helping engineers, manufacturers, and buyers better understand when this material is the right choice.<\/p>\n

\u0421\u0432\u044f\u0437\u0430\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0434\u0443\u043a\u0442\u044b:<\/span><\/h2>\n

420 Stainless Steel Coil<\/u><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u041d\u0435\u0440\u0436\u0430\u0432\u0435\u044e\u0449\u0430\u044f \u0441\u0442\u0430\u043b\u044c \u0432 \u043b\u0435\u043d\u0442\u0430\u0445<\/u><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0420 Stainless Steel Sheet<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n

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What Is 420 Stainless Steel?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

420 stainless steel<\/strong> is a martensitic stainless steel grade containing high carbon content and approximately 12\u201314% chromium<\/strong>, which provides a balance between hardness, strength, and corrosion resistance.<\/p>\n

Key characteristics include:<\/p>\n

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  • \n

    High hardness after heat treatment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Excellent wear resistance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    \u0423\u043c\u0435\u0440\u0435\u043d\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043a\u043e\u0440\u0440\u043e\u0437\u0438\u043e\u043d\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u0441\u043e\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0442\u0438\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Good polishability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Magnetic properties<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Due to these characteristics, AISI 420 stainless steel<\/strong> is commonly selected for applications that require sharp edges, mechanical durability, and abrasion resistance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    However, in highly corrosive environments such as marine or chemical exposure, grades like 304 or 316 stainless steel<\/strong> may provide better corrosion protection.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Chemical Composition of 420 Stainless Steel<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    Typical chemical composition of 420 stainless steel<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \u042d\u043b\u0435\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0442<\/th>\nContent<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    \u0423\u0433\u043b\u0435\u0440\u043e\u0434<\/td>\n0.15 \u2013 0.40%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u0425\u0440\u043e\u043c\u0438\u0443\u043c<\/td>\n12 \u2013 14%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u041c\u0430\u0440\u0433\u0430\u043d\u0435\u0446<\/td>\n\u22641%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u041a\u0440\u0435\u043c\u043d\u0438\u0439<\/td>\n\u22641%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u041d\u0438\u043a\u0435\u043b\u044c<\/td>\n\u22640.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Molybdenum<\/td>\n\u22640.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u0424\u043e\u0441\u0444\u043e\u0440<\/td>\n\u22640.04%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u0421\u0435\u0440\u0430<\/td>\n\u22640.03%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Copper<\/td>\n\u22640.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Aluminum<\/td>\n\u22640.15%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u0416\u0435\u043b\u0435\u0437\u043e<\/td>\n\u041e\u0441\u0442\u0430\u0442\u043e\u043a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    The relatively high carbon content<\/strong> is responsible for the steel\u2019s ability to achieve high hardness after heat treatment.<\/p>\n

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    Mechanical Properties of 420 Stainless Steel<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Typical mechanical properties of annealed 420 stainless steel<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \u0421\u043e\u0431\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0435\u043d\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/th>\nValue<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    \u0424\u0438\u0437\u0438\u0447\u0435\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0435 \u0441\u0432\u043e\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0430<\/td>\n7.74 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Elastic Modulus<\/td>\n200 GPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u041f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0435\u043b \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0447\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043f\u0440\u0438 \u0440\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044f\u0436\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0438<\/td>\n~655 MPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u041f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0435\u043b \u0442\u0435\u043a\u0443\u0447\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0438<\/td>\n40,000 psi (annealed)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u041e\u0442\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u0443\u0434\u043b\u0438\u043d\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/td>\n25%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Brinell Hardness<\/td>\n\u2264241 HB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    After heat treatment, hardness can increase significantly, making 420 steel suitable for cutting tools and precision components.<\/p>\n

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    Is 420 Stainless Steel Magnetic?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Yes, 420 stainless steel is magnetic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    This is because it belongs to the martensitic stainless steel family<\/strong>, which forms a ferromagnetic crystal structure after heat treatment. Unlike austenitic stainless steels such as 304 or 316, martensitic steels retain strong magnetic properties.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

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    Thermal Properties of 420 Stainless Steel<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Important thermal properties include:<\/p>\n

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    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \u0421\u043e\u0431\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0435\u043d\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/th>\nValue<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Melting Point<\/td>\n~1495\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Thermal Conductivity (100\u00b0C)<\/td>\n25 W\/m\u00b7K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Thermal Conductivity (500\u00b0C)<\/td>\n28.7 W\/m\u00b7K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Specific Heat<\/td>\n0.46 kJ\/kg\u00b7K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Thermal Expansion<\/td>\n10\u201312 \u00b5m\/m\u00b7K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    Because of its moderate heat resistance, 420 stainless steel is typically not recommended for continuous service above 500\u2013550\u00b0C<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    Heat Treatment of 420 Stainless Steel<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    One of the key advantages of AISI 420 stainless steel<\/strong> is its ability to be hardened through heat treatment.<\/p>\n

    Annealing<\/span><\/h3>\n

    To soften the material for machining:<\/p>\n

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    • \n

      Heat to 840\u2013900\u00b0C<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Hold temperature for adequate time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Furnace cool slowly to about 600\u00b0C<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Air cool to room temperature<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      This process reduces internal stresses and improves machinability.<\/p>\n

      Hardening<\/span><\/h3>\n

      To increase hardness and strength:<\/p>\n

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      • \n

        Heat to 980\u20131035\u00b0C<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Quench rapidly in oil or air<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Temper at a controlled temperature depending on desired hardness<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Tempering allows carbide formation and balances hardness with toughness.<\/p>\n

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        Common Forms of 420 Stainless Steel<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

        420 stainless steel is available in several product forms for industrial manufacturing:<\/p>\n

        \u041d\u0435\u0440\u0436\u0430\u0432\u0435\u044e\u0449\u0430\u044f \u0441\u0442\u0430\u043b\u044c\u043d\u0430\u044f \u043b\u0438\u0441\u0442<\/span><\/h3>\n

        Typically 0.5\u20133 mm thick<\/strong>, used for components requiring corrosion and wear resistance.<\/p>\n

        Stainless Steel Plate<\/span><\/h3>\n

        Thicker sections used for structural components or machining parts.<\/p>\n

        Stainless Steel Bar<\/span><\/h3>\n

        Round or rectangular bars used for shafts, fasteners, and mechanical components.<\/p>\n

        Cold Drawn Stainless Steel<\/span><\/h3>\n

        Improves dimensional accuracy and surface finish.<\/p>\n

        Hot Rolled Stainless Steel<\/span><\/h3>\n

        Offers improved ductility and is easier to form.<\/p>\n

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        Applications of 420 Stainless Steel<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

        Because of its high hardness and wear resistance, 420 stainless steel is widely used in applications requiring durable cutting edges and mechanical strength<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        \u0420\u0430\u0441\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0435\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u0438\u043b\u043e\u0436\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0432\u043a\u043b\u044e\u0447\u0430\u044e\u0442:<\/p>\n

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          Cutlery and knife blades<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Surgical instruments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Needle valves<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Pump shafts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Bearings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Valve components<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Fasteners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Screens and filters<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Steam and gas equipment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Turbine parts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Hand tools<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Its ability to maintain sharp edges makes it especially popular for industrial cutting tools and medical instruments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

          \"\"<\/p>\n

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          Equivalent Grades of 420 Stainless Steel<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
          \n
          \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
          \u0421\u0442\u0430\u043d\u0434\u0430\u0440\u0442<\/th>\nEquivalent Grade<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          UNS<\/td>\nS42000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          EN<\/td>\n1.4021<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          DIN<\/td>\nX20Cr13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          JIS<\/td>\nSUS420J1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Swedish SS<\/td>\n2303<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          British BS<\/td>\n420S37<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          These equivalents help engineers identify compatible materials across international standards.<\/p>\n

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          Advantages and Limitations of 420 Stainless Steel<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

          \u041f\u0440\u0435\u0438\u043c\u0443\u0449\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0430<\/span><\/h3>\n
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          • \n

            High hardness after heat treatment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Excellent wear and abrasion resistance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Good corrosion resistance in mild environments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Cost-effective compared with higher alloy stainless steels<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Limitations<\/span><\/h3>\n
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            • \n

              Lower corrosion resistance than 304 or 316 stainless steel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Welding requires careful control to avoid cracking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Limited high-temperature resistance above 500\u00b0C<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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              \u0417\u0430\u043a\u043b\u044e\u0447\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

              420 stainless steel<\/strong> is a versatile martensitic alloy valued for its high hardness, wear resistance, and heat-treatable strength<\/strong>. These properties make it a popular material for cutting tools, industrial components, and medical instruments.<\/p>\n

              While it may not provide the same corrosion resistance as 304 or 316 stainless steels, its excellent mechanical performance and cost efficiency make AISI 420 stainless steel<\/strong> a reliable option for many engineering and manufacturing applications.<\/p>\n

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              <\/p>

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